Jennifer Hutchinson
Bio: I was born in Indiana and moved to Alaska when I was 11. I lived there for 18 years. Teaching elementary has been my life for 18 years. My first teaching job was in a village located above the Arctic Circle with no running water, and you could only get there by plane. In those 2 1/2 years, I had my gorgeous daughter who is now 16. I moved to Vegas in 2002.
Age: 40
Why did you join the 52 Peak Club: I was looking for an inexpensive way to spend my time and meet new people. I first joined another group when I heard about this club. It sounded like a great challenge and although I was intimidated at first, I gave a second hike a try, found a great organizer, Bill Suitor, and after that second hike, I was hooked! .
Date Completed all 52 Peaks: Dec 14th, 2013 (56th person to become a 53er)
Toughest Peak: It is difficult to pick after completing all 52! There were several which had their own special challenges; from Mummy where it was a physical and mental challenge as I was not feeling well that day, to the longer more enduring hikes, such as McFarland (no one likes, haha), Oak (too hot) and Pine (went the descent route both ways). Overall, I would have to say Mummy's Chin as it was my first face card with a new organizer, Jacob Grant, who we all know has lightning bolts on his heels! It seemed a never ending hike with hail, rain, and thunder at the peak! It was the only hike where I fell and actually put a gash in my elbow. I travelled that same wash 3 times in 5 days!
Favorite Hike: One of the obvious choices is Oak Creek Overlook where I first spoke and officially met Jacob Grant. It was actually our second hike together, but we didn't talk to each other on the first one which was 3 months earlier! :) Global was one of my favorites as it had a little bit of everything and I had such terrific company on it! What makes some hike more memorable than others are the people who are on it and the laughter and fun that follows! .
How did you feel once you became a 53er: I had a sense of achievement and fulfillment. It was the first goal I had set for myself in years. My students, since August, have been following and eagerly inquiring about my hikes after every weekend. I used this experience as an example for my students on goal setting and reaching those goals. Along this journey, I have found self-confidence and self determination. Others around me have noticed the difference in my attitude and have commented on how much happier I seem to be. I have accomplished something that I never even imagined 9 months ago! Thank you to all the amazing people I have met and I look forward to many more adventures with you!.
Advice for new hikers: Find an organizer or two that you are comfortable following and a group of people you really enjoy hiking with as it makes all the difference in the world. That chosen group will push and encourage you to keep going, even when you feel like you can't. Those people will make each peak more memorable as there will be much laughter and pictures that you will remember for years to come.
Age: 40
Why did you join the 52 Peak Club: I was looking for an inexpensive way to spend my time and meet new people. I first joined another group when I heard about this club. It sounded like a great challenge and although I was intimidated at first, I gave a second hike a try, found a great organizer, Bill Suitor, and after that second hike, I was hooked! .
Date Completed all 52 Peaks: Dec 14th, 2013 (56th person to become a 53er)
Toughest Peak: It is difficult to pick after completing all 52! There were several which had their own special challenges; from Mummy where it was a physical and mental challenge as I was not feeling well that day, to the longer more enduring hikes, such as McFarland (no one likes, haha), Oak (too hot) and Pine (went the descent route both ways). Overall, I would have to say Mummy's Chin as it was my first face card with a new organizer, Jacob Grant, who we all know has lightning bolts on his heels! It seemed a never ending hike with hail, rain, and thunder at the peak! It was the only hike where I fell and actually put a gash in my elbow. I travelled that same wash 3 times in 5 days!
Favorite Hike: One of the obvious choices is Oak Creek Overlook where I first spoke and officially met Jacob Grant. It was actually our second hike together, but we didn't talk to each other on the first one which was 3 months earlier! :) Global was one of my favorites as it had a little bit of everything and I had such terrific company on it! What makes some hike more memorable than others are the people who are on it and the laughter and fun that follows! .
How did you feel once you became a 53er: I had a sense of achievement and fulfillment. It was the first goal I had set for myself in years. My students, since August, have been following and eagerly inquiring about my hikes after every weekend. I used this experience as an example for my students on goal setting and reaching those goals. Along this journey, I have found self-confidence and self determination. Others around me have noticed the difference in my attitude and have commented on how much happier I seem to be. I have accomplished something that I never even imagined 9 months ago! Thank you to all the amazing people I have met and I look forward to many more adventures with you!.
Advice for new hikers: Find an organizer or two that you are comfortable following and a group of people you really enjoy hiking with as it makes all the difference in the world. That chosen group will push and encourage you to keep going, even when you feel like you can't. Those people will make each peak more memorable as there will be much laughter and pictures that you will remember for years to come.